SC orders Comelec to answer Albay gov’s petition to stop disqualification

FILE PHOTO: The Supreme Court building on Padre Faura Street in Manila. CATHY MIRANDA / INQUIRER.net

MANILA, Philippines–The Supreme Court (SC) on Tuesday ordered the Commission on Elections (Comelec) to respond to the petition filed by Albay Gov. Noel Rosal seeking to stop the implementation of resolution disqualifying him from his post.

During its en banc session, SC gave Comelec and private respondent Joseph San Juan Armogila 10 days to comment on Rosal’s petition for certiorari and application for the issuance of a status quo ante order (SQAO)/temporary restraining order (TRO) and/or writ of preliminary injunction.

Rosal, together with his wife, Legazpi City Mayor Carmen Geraldine Rosal were disqualified for releasing public funds during the election period when it distributed cash assistance payout for tricycle drivers and senior citizens during the 45-day campaign spending ban.

The Comelec’s first division issued the ruling which was then appealed to its en banc but was denied in a resolution issued on Nov. 18 prompting to elevate the case to the SC.

Rosal’s camp also said that Comelec issued the disqualification ruling based on “mere allegations.

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Comelec orders Albay Gov. Noel Rosal to vacate post amid disqualification 

JPV